Over 30 cows have died over after allegedly consuming poisonous grains in Kwara State.
According to an eyewitness, the cattle were brought out for their routine grazing from Mandate market to the School of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies when the incident occurred at the weekend.
Speaking with our reporter, one of the owners of the affected cows who simply identified himself as Mr Olugbon, explained that he received a call that the cows were falling down while returning to Mandate market
“We discovered they ate poisonous grains on their path and about 30 had died before we got to the scene.”
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“This loss is quite huge, but we suspect sabotage. This is not the first time we have taken them through that route. We pass there daily while taking them for grazing and compensate owners of farm they destroyed. This is very terrible.”
On his part, Mr Ismail Ibrahim, another cattle rearer, said “other affected cows have been treated and kept under watch”.
They appealed to the state government to come to their aid.
The Babaloja of Mandate Market, Murtala Tanbariku while reacting to the development, described it as unfortunate. He solicited government support for affected traders.
However, a group, Kwara Monitoring Group (KMG) in a statement by its coordinator, Dan-Musa, alleged that some of the dead animals were being slaughtered and distributed out to butchers to be sold.
It called for immediate action by the government.
“KMG is calling the attention of the Commissioners of Environment, Health and the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) for an immediate action so as to prevent the poisoned and dead cows being sold out to unsuspecting public.”
“We will not relent in our efforts to support the state government to sanitise the state in all ramifications.
“It is our prayer that the concerned Ministry and Agency take appropriate and immediate action as nobody knows whose family that such poisoned meat could be sold out to in the market”, it added.
On his part, the state director, Veterinary Services, Dr Abdullateef Olugbon said the ministry had commenced raids of illegal vet and meat premises to ensure the safety of the people.
He warned members of the public not to patronise illegal meat selling points disposing meat at a cheaper rate.
Olugbon stated that the government is poised in ensuring the safety of the people especially in ensuring that the meat they consume is safe for human consumption.
